A Remodel for Entertaining

– Corvallis, OR –

This kitchen remodel was part of a larger interior renovation project that completely changed the look and feel of this Corvallis home. When we first walked in, we were struck by the contrasting perspective of a relatively large house that felt small because it had many small, dark rooms. For example, the kitchen was closed off from the dining and living room by a central load-bearing wall. We removed that wall as part of a new great room design, adding architectural interest and creating a much more open space.

MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT

During the pre-design phase of the project, the homeowners told us their top priorities were to open up the dark interior spaces and let in more light. They also hoped to make their home’s layout more functional for how they live and entertain.

They were particularly drawn to the possibility of a great room design. So our first step in designing their new kitchen was to remove the bearing wall that separated it from the adjoining living and dining areas. This required reframing the exposed structural members of the existing skylights to accommodate the vaulted and wood-paneled ceiling, replacing the existing wall with strategically placed posts. We minimized the visual impact of the posts by incorporating them as much as possible into the cabinetry. One post was partially concealed with wine storage and additional cabinetry, while another was integrated into a breakfast bar.

The outdated floor tile was replaced by new Monocibec-Domus Aurea Porcelain 20×20 floor tile in both the sunroom and kitchen. Salmon-colored Corian was replaced with Quantra “Truffle” quartz countertops. A new eating bar is great for entertaining and quick family meals on the go. New maple custom cabinetry was stained to match the existing cabinetry in the home to achieve a cohesive look. A Kraus sink, Bosch range, Thermador hood, and GE dishwasher are the work horses of the kitchen.

Many Andersen wooden windows were added, including some higher windows in the gable, to capture the view of the upward-sloping backyard. The new wall of windows fills the entire great room with natural light.

Sometimes we come across a home with the potential to become so much more than it appears at first. This house revealed itself to be architecturally beautiful, but it needed a skillful renovation to let that beauty shine through. Opening up the space and adding windows allows the play of light to dance on the newly finished surfaces. The new, more open design – which also added an abundance of cabinetry for storage, generous counter space for food prep and entertaining, and natural lighting throughout – transformed the previously disjointed spaces into a home for the whole family to enjoy!